EN 3696:2001

Overview

EN 3696:2001 is a European standard developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) that specifies the requirements for washers made from heat resisting steel intended for aerospace applications. This standard ensures that washers used in the aerospace industry meet stringent quality, dimensional, and material performance criteria to withstand the demanding environments encountered in aerospace engineering.

The washers covered under this standard are critical components designed to maintain secure mechanical assemblies in aircraft and related aerospace equipment where resistance to high temperatures and corrosion is mandatory.

Key Topics

• Material Specifications
  Washers must be produced using heat resisting steel compliant with EN 2175, EN 4317, or EN 4318 standards. These materials undergo specific heat treatments like solution treatment and precipitation hardening to achieve durability and thermal resistance essential in aerospace settings.

• Dimensions and Configuration
  The standard defines precise washer dimensions including outer diameter, inner diameter, thickness, and mass tolerances. Dimensions adhere to aerospace design requirements with clear illustrations provided for standard washer profiles.

• Surface Roughness and Treatment
  Surface quality is controlled to meet aerospace standards, with passivation processes following EN 2516 to enhance corrosion resistance and surface stability. Marking areas and finish details are standardized to ensure traceability and compliance.

• Marking and Identification
  Washers must carry markings as per EN 2424, enabling identification and quality control across supply chains. Markings include standard codes to facilitate inspection and conformity verification.

• Quality Assurance
  All manufactured washers must comply with EN 2000 quality assurance protocols, guaranteeing that the washers meet aerospace safety and reliability standards before deployment.

Applications

EN 3696 washers are designed for use in aerospace assemblies where components are subjected to:

• High operating temperatures, including engine compartments and exhaust systems
• Corrosive environments demanding stainless steel with superior resistance
• Critical mechanical fastening requiring secure locking elements to prevent loosening under vibration and thermal cycles
• Aerospace structural and systems assemblies, including airframes, landing gear, and propulsion systems

By adhering to EN 3696, manufacturers and aerospace engineers ensure they integrate washers capable of maintaining mechanical integrity in harsh conditions, thus improving aircraft safety and longevity.

Related Standards

• EN 2175: Heat resisting steel sheets and strips for aerospace applications
• EN 2516: Passivation of corrosion-resistant steels and nickel-base alloy decontamination
• EN 4317 & EN 4318: Heat resisting alloy specifications and treatment for aerospace manufacturing
• EN 2424: Marking of aerospace products including washers and locking elements
• EN 2000: Quality assurance systems applied in aerospace product manufacturing

These interconnected standards collectively establish a robust framework for the materials, surface treatment, dimensional accuracy, marking, and manufacturing processes critical to aerospace-grade washers in heat resisting steel.

Keywords: EN 3696, aerospace washers, heat resisting steel washers, aerospace fasteners, corrosion resistant washers, heat treated steel washers, aerospace standards, CEN aerospace standards, aerospace hardware, washer specifications